Karlsson, the slick, slight and shockingly swift defenceman who “could be the best player in the league,” according to Senators coach Paul MacLean, hasn’t taken a step back since winning the Norris Trophy as the league’s top defenceman during the 2011-12. Indeed, Senators fans and opponents are seeing even more of him since the lockout ended and the National Hockey League resumed.

It’s not just about the points – Karlsson ranks fifth in scoring among defencemen with four goals and four assists in 10 games – but about the control he’s having on the games he plays. Karlsson is seemingly everywhere: in his own zone, the neutral zone and inside the opponent’s blueline. He’s the quarterback of the power play and, in a new development, is also killing penalties this season.

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As much as losing centre Jason Spezza to back surgery last week was a big blow for the club, Karlsson’s impact on the team is bigger because of his ability to get the puck out of the Senators’ end quickly, through his skating and playmaking abilities.

If you think he’s been on the ice half the time, you’re not wrong.

In Tuesday’s 4-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres, Karlsson played 31:26 and scored his fourth goal of the season. In Sunday’s 2-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, his total was 32:08. Last Friday versus Carolina, the time line read 29:03. In games on back to back nights Jan. 29 and Jan. 30, MacLean threw him out for 29:32 and 26:58.

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To date, Karlsson has averaged 28:17 per game, second in the NHL behind Jack Johnson of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who checks in at 28:38.

To put all of that in perspective, keep in mind that no player has averaged more than 30 minutes per game in a season since Chris Pronger of the St.Louis Blues turned the trick at the turn of the century, during the 1999-2000 campaign.

“(The media) keeps better track of that than I do,” Karlsson said Wednesday when asked if he ever remembers playing so much during an extended period.

“I feel great. It feels like I can play more if I want. As long as my body feels good, I don’t have any issues. We’re 10 games in and there are still 38 to go and more than that, hopefully (with the playoffs). You’ve just got to try and take care of your body every day and stay in shape.”

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Karlsson, 22, generously listed in the Senators’ media guide at 6-0 and 175 pounds – maybe, if you include the pencil-thin mustache – is taking advantage of the limited number of off days between games. He consults with MacLean and the club’s trainers, figuring out the best way to deal with the down time. Instead of practicing Wednesday, he “ran a little bit and did some stuff in the gym,” in preparation for facing Carolina.

“These are the days you have to be careful,” he said. “I feel good, but maybe it’s better to stay off the ice.”

During games, MacLean tries to monitor and manage the ice time as much as possible, “but for the most part, if he’s feeling it and wants to play, let’s play him.”

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MacLean isn’t worried about Karlsson burning out. At least not yet.

“I guess there is (a risk) with the compacted schedule, but he’s a pretty young guy. There’s always a risk, whether you’re playing 15 (minutes) or 20 or 25 or 30, but he has the capability of handling the 30 minutes. A lot of times, the game, and how the team is playing, dictates it. Right now, we feel he’s at a level that he can keep playing. His fitness level is a big part of it.”

Karlsson’s ice time could drop by a few minutes Thursday, if, as expected, Sergei Gonchar returns to the lineup after missing the past two games with the flu. Karlsson has seen more minutes – particularly killing penalties – in Gonchar’s absence. Binghamton call-ups Patrick Wiercioch, Mark Borowiecki and Andre Benoit don’t see as much time in those situations.

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“I think you will see Erik’s numbers come down to a more manageable number, down to 25 (minutes) or whatnot,” said MacLean. “When we play Wiercioch, Borowiecki and Benoit (in the same game), it’s reasonable to expect his numbers to be higher because he’s playing more special teams.”

Karlsson is relishing all the time he can get, “trying to figure out new things every day,” and when he’s playing, there are always surprises. At one point during Tuesday’s victory over Buffalo, Karlsson was skating near centre, ahead of all three forwards, when he accepted a pass from defence partner Marc Methot.

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